Royal Caribbean orders third Oasis-class ship

Royal Caribbean has announced that it has ordered a third Oasis-class vessel in a partnership with STX France.

The new ship will be the third Oasis-class following the launch of both Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas in 2009 and 2010 respectively.

“The Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas have fundamentally transformed the cruise experience for our guests,” said Richard Fain chairman and chief executive of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “These ships have consistently generated outstanding guest satisfaction ratings and continue to produce superior financial results. We are thrilled to be adding a sister to this extraordinary class of vessels at a compelling price. Being back building in France just adds to the pleasure.”

The contract between Royal Caribbean and STX also includes the transfer of Pullmantur’s Atlantic Star as well as the option for a fourth Oasis-class vessel which would be delivered in mid-2018.

“STX France is proud to partner with Royal Caribbean and continue our decades-long relationship by building the third Oasis-class ship,” said Laurent Castaing chief executive of STX France. “Royal Caribbean has always been an important part of our shipyard’s success, and we are delighted to add this highly innovative and spectacular ship to the list of vessels we have built together.”

The new Oasis-class ship order means that existing capital expenditure for Royal Caribbean across the next few years are US$1.3 billion in 2012, US$700 billion in 2013, US$1.2 billion in 2014, US$1.2 billion in 2015 and US$1.3 billion in 2016.

Adam Goldstein president and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean International said: “As the cruise line that revolutionised the industry with the FlowRider surf simulator, ice-skating rinks, cantilevered whirlpools and rock climbing walls, we are eager to add this third award winning Oasis-class ship to our brand portfolio. This addition will allow us to showcase our legacy of innovation and imagination to even more guests around the world.